PEPLUMS, COLOR-BLOCKING, LACE All three trends are still holding strong from last year and popping up on skirts, dresses, jackets and tops, says Macy's fashion director Nicole Fischelis. Here, a fashion trifecta of sorts -- Bar III's lace dress, $79; at select Macy's stores and macys.com.

Top spring fashion trends

Updated March 10, 2013 7:14 AM

PEPLUMS, COLOR-BLOCKING, LACE All three trends are still holding strong from last year and popping up on skirts, dresses, jackets and tops, says Macy's fashion director Nicole Fischelis. Here, a fashion trifecta of sorts -- Bar III's lace dress, $79; at select Macy's stores and macys.com. (Credit: Handout)

THE SHORTS SUIT These shorts are more designed to grab your attention than show something office-appropriate, but there are plenty of longer Bermuda shorts out there that, when paired with the right jacket, can sub in for a pencil skirt at work, says Bloomingdale's Stephanie Solomon. Here, a cream four-pocket tweed jacket, $300, tweed shorts, $180, frill-sleeve top, $210, patchwork platform, $320, all from the polished British label Reiss; at Bloomingdale's (including Roosevelt Field and Manhattan stores) and bloomingdales.com.

BLACK AND WHITE It reigns, says Bloomingdale's Stephanie Solomon. A must have, declares Ann Taylor's Lisa Axelson. The look is stronger than typical springtime florals and pastel shades and thus a natural for both the office and nights out. Here, Ann Taylor's shift dress, $128; at Ann Taylor stores and anntaylor.com.

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DISTRESSED DENIM With grunge, emphasis is on the girlie, notes Shopbop.com's senior buyer Jane Albiter, who is excited about updated plaids, ripped denim, patchwork detail from brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, and chambray overalls from Rebecca Taylor that look super fresh. We say: Save money on the denim -- these Dittos jeans, $99 at Urban Outfitters and urbanoutfitters.com -- so you can indulge in something like Rag & Bones' oversized dutch vest, $695 at shopbop.com.

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PEPLUMS, COLOR-BLOCKING, LACE All three trends are still holding strong from last year and popping up on skirts, dresses, jackets and tops, says Macy's fashion director Nicole Fischelis. Here, a fashion trifecta of sorts -- Bar III's lace dress, $79; at select Macy's stores and macys.com.

THE STATEMENT PANT Women love expressing their style and this is a chic way to do it, says Ann Taylor creative director Lisa Axelson. Here, the ornate paisley cropped pant, $78; at Ann Taylor stores and anntaylor.com

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GIRLIE GRUNGE The down-market look made popular by 1990s Seattle grunge bands gets a soft and chic (and decidedly more upscale) take in this knit top from Yigal Azrouel, $790; at shopbop.com in early- to mid-March.

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FRILLY SOCKS Socks worn with heels or dressy shoes were spotted outside the Fashion Week tents at Lincoln Center last month. It's a way to mix this whole attitude of sport and action with a feminine touch, says Macy's fashion director Nicole Fischelis. Go for Jessica Simpson's frilly florals or her cuff anklets in sleek black, $8; at Macy's stores and macys.com.

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THE GRAPHIC TEE From Bodens Johnny B. girls line, a thirst-quenching T-shirt, $24, in all cotton with cap sleeves; at bodenusa.com.